Denver oral surgeon may have re-used needles

A Denver, Colorado oral surgeon is under investigation for alleged prescription fraud and the possibility infecting thousands of patients.

The Denver Post reports that Dr. Stephen Stein, who practiced in Cherry Creek and Highlands Ranch, reused needles in intravenous sedation and possibly infecting 8,000 patients with HIV and hepatitis.

Although the Colorado Board of Dental Examiners would not state their reasoning behind the June 2011 suspension of Stein’s license, which ultimately leads to them reaching an agreement in which he would stop practicing altogether, they do say it was different than the infection risks.

The health department was notified of the possible risk in April and says it takes time to investigate, according to 9news.com. Police are not investigating the possible use of contaminated needles but are investigating into possible prescription fraud.

Since then, the state health personnel have spent 2 ½ months interviewing Stein’s practice and going over his records. The state wanted to make sure they had clear and concise information before sending letters to the 8,000 patients who could be at risk.

Dr. Chris Urbina, state health director, states that if patients of Stein’s have been to his two offices and have been sedated between 1999 and 2011, they should get tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C. State epidemiologists say Stein reused sedation needles and syringes for days at a time. These needles cost less than $1 a day.

Patients would like to know why Stein’s license was suspended.

Judy, a former patient of Stein’s says, “What’s the secret? It should be public “and “How do they know it’s just IV issues?”